Human Herpesvirus 6

Definition

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a member of the Herpesviridae family of viruses, which are known for their ability to establish lifelong latent infections in the host. HHV-6 is closely associated with viral infections of the skin and eyes, as outlined in the topics of 21.3 Viral Infections of the Skin and Eyes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. HHV-6 is ubiquitous, with over 90% of the global population being infected by the age of 2 years.
2. HHV-6 can reactivate and cause a variety of clinical manifestations, including skin rashes, encephalitis, and organ transplant complications.
3. Primary HHV-6 infection in infants and young children can lead to the development of roseola, a common childhood illness characterized by high fever and a distinctive red rash.
4. HHV-6 has been associated with the development of certain types of skin cancer, such as Kaposi's sarcoma, in immunocompromised individuals.
5. Certain strains of HHV-6 (HHV-6A and HHV-6B) have been linked to the development of neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Review Questions

• Describe the key features of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and its role in viral infections of the skin and eyes.
  • Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) is a member of the Herpesviridae family, known for its ability to establish lifelong latent infections in the host. HHV-6 is closely associated with viral infections of the skin and eyes, as it can reactivate and cause a variety of clinical manifestations, including skin rashes, such as the distinctive red rash seen in roseola, a common childhood illness. Additionally, HHV-6 has been linked to the development of certain types of skin cancer, like Kaposi's sarcoma, in immunocompromised individuals.
• Explain the epidemiology and clinical significance of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infections.
  • HHV-6 is a ubiquitous virus, with over 90% of the global population being infected by the age of 2 years. Primary HHV-6 infection in infants and young children can lead to the development of roseola, a common childhood illness characterized by high fever and a distinctive red rash. However, HHV-6 can also reactivate in later stages of life, causing a variety of clinical manifestations, including encephalitis and organ transplant complications. Furthermore, certain strains of HHV-6 (HHV-6A and HHV-6B) have been associated with the development of neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome, highlighting the clinical significance of this virus.
• Analyze the potential mechanisms by which human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) may contribute to the development of viral infections of the skin and eyes.
  • HHV-6's ability to establish lifelong latent infections within the host's cells is a key factor in its potential to contribute to viral infections of the skin and eyes. The virus can reactivate periodically, leading to the development of various clinical manifestations, including skin rashes and potentially even the development of certain types of skin cancer, such as Kaposi's sarcoma, in immunocompromised individuals. Additionally, the neurotropic nature of certain HHV-6 strains may also play a role in the virus's association with viral infections of the eyes, as the central nervous system is closely connected to the visual system. Understanding the complex mechanisms by which HHV-6 can influence the pathogenesis of viral skin and eye infections is an area of ongoing research, with important implications for the prevention and management of these conditions.

Related terms

Herpesviridae: A family of DNA viruses that can establish lifelong latent infections in the host and reactivate periodically, causing recurrent disease.

Latent Infection: A type of viral infection where the virus remains dormant within the host's cells, without causing active disease, until it is reactivated.

Roseola: A common childhood illness caused by HHV-6 that is characterized by a high fever followed by a distinctive red rash.